Travels in New Zealand and beyond, going back to 2003!
Sunday morning in Martinborough, the wine growing hub of the Wairarapa, hot air balloons filled the blue sky, as part of the ‘Wairarapa Balloon Festival‘. We were lying in bed when we heard a loud, ‘WHOOSH’ of air, and sprang up from our beds – momentarily stunned – before our brains registered what the sound…
The Greater Wellington BreWDay, held in Martinborough, was a wonderful combination good food, music and a jovial crowd of all ages, enjoying some fine craft brews in a rural setting. Close to the heart of Martinborough – more known for its wines and olive groves – locals and visitors (mostly from the Hutt and Wellington)…
Dear Alice, What a celebration you have had! You woke on the morning of your 6th Birthday, stretched up with your arms and said, ‘My, I have grown!’. And yes, you really have. This past year and a half, since arriving back from our amazing experience living in California (which you still talk about with…
Loved Valentine’s Day falling on a Sunday this year – what’s more it was a stunning, sunshine, summer’s day and the city of Wellington had something happening in every suburb and street. On the waterfront the Chinese New Year Festival took centre stage and we enjoyed a lovely visit to Capital E on Saturday to…
‘Have fun, enjoy!’ he says, as I head out the door, I respond with a forced smile and a nod. I’m not sure that I am running for ‘fun’, But if it’s not fun, why the hell am I doing it?! I run to feel free, I run to feel pain, I run to feel…
A beautiful sunset, on a summer’s evening, in Island Bay, Wellington and our Sophie takes the plunge, as two kayakers glide past the island. Our dog, Cocoa, watching on, but didn’t follow her lead. Hubby paddled into shore, on his stand up paddle board, and our youngest, Alice, ran around in the shallows, skipping over…
It’s the second week of term 1 and we are getting well into our stride. Thankfully the first two weeks of this term have been short ones – four day weeks (if only all weeks were four days on, three days off!). We headed over to Martinborough for a couple of days this weekend, to…
Tomorrow morning the alarm will wake us all up. Our seven and a half weeks of living free of the bell come to a close. There is generally a feeling of excitement and positivity at starting a new school year, mixed with a dash of anticipation. Farewell to long, cuddly lie ins with this furry…
It’s the day after I bid farewell to my dearest parents. As I write they are winging their way back to the UK, on the long-haul flights from New Zealand to the UK, via Singapore. A big part of me feels empty and numb, trying to stay focused and busy with my three daughters (in…
When I read that ‘The Prompt‘ this week was the word ‘Paint’ I knew exactly what to write about. This past month my dear parents have been staying with us in New Zealand, visiting from their home in England. My dearest Mum loves to paint with watercolours and has been taking classes for a couple…
We visited Lake Ferry, on the south coast of the Wairarapa, over the New Year. It’s a place of incredible wild, rugged beauty and only a half hour drive from Martinborough. The small beach village, on the shores of Lake Onoke, is known for its fishing, particularly ‘white bait’, where Lake Onoke meets the sea….
GO! Red light, stop, sigh of relief, Heavy head leans back, eyes close, So tired, barely conscious, Endless nights of broken sleep. Beep! Beep! A voice in my head shouts, ‘Go!’ ‘Eyes open!’ My brain tries again. Beep! Beep! Angry sound in my ears. One eye opens, glimpses the green light. ‘Go!’ calls the voice….
The weather in Wellington this summer school holidays has so far been very kind to us and it’s been perfect for getting outdoors and exploring the copious number of regional parks, town belts walks and nature centres. Having my parents to visit, all the way from the UK, has been an extra motivator to get…
A short drive north of Masterton, is the Pukaha Mount Bruce National Wildlife Centre. I visited with my folks, from the UK, and my youngest daughter, age five, over the Christmas/New Year hols. It was a gorgeous day when we visited and after a cuppa on the deck of the cafe – with a surprise…